2000 Mazda MPV LX

This dependable family van needs a substantial shot of 'zoom-zoom.'

November 2001
By
PATRICIA ELDRIDGE MAKI
Photos By
AARON KILEY

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XENON LIGHTS: We replaced the MPV's fog lights with new Xenarc high-intensity-discharge auxiliary low-beam lights from Sylvania (800-347-3420; www.sylvania.com/xenarc). Their intensity and beam pattern conform to SAE low-beam standards (hence the distinction), but their color is closer to that of natural sunlight than are any other lights on the road. They provided terrific illumination without blinding oncoming drivers. Installation required the purchase of additional mounting hardware to reach the MPV's fog-lamp mounts. The power-converting ballasts mount remotely inside the engine compartment, and a wireless remote switch is included. Sylvania also sells Xenarc lamps to replace standard sealed-beam units, and it's working on replacement lamps for the high-selling GM and Ford full-size trucks. The Xenarc line eventually will be carried by major parts stores, priced at about $500.

CARGO CONTAINER: Herrington (800-622-5221; www.herringtoncatalog.com) supplied us with a pop-up cargo container that fit in the rear of the MPV as if it were custom-made. With it, you can compartmentalize your cargo. It's great for carrying home bedding plants from the market or holding up those two-liter pop containers that always fall over in their plastic grocery bags. It's a neat space enhancer, and it's $80.

POLICE SCANNER: If you're terrified of getting speeding tickets and want to add to your radar detector's defenses, the Uniden BearTracker 800 BCT7 scanner is just the ticket. The unit does not warn of radar or laser use; it simply lets you listen to the radio transmissions of police, with a 100-channel mobile/base highway-information system. The idea is that if the unit picks up a police transmission, you know the fuzz is poking around within three miles of your vehicle, and it's a good time to check your speedo. If the cops aren't talking, then obviously the BearTracker 800 won't help you.

The BearTracker is about the size of two radar detectors and can be mounted permanently via a supplied bracket. Or you can do as we did and secure it temporarily with a hook-and-loop fastener. A 12-volt cigarette plug provides the power, so if you're running a radar detector, too, you'll need two lighter plugs.

In addition to listening to police-radio chatter, the unit picks up CB signals, fire and rescue info, and the audio from a few TV stations—all sure-fire cures for road-trip boredom.

BearTrackers are sold at truck stops and electronics stores for about $200. We bought ours from Scanner Master (800-722-6701; www.scannermaster.com) for $18